Morphology and Mind (RLE Linguistics C: Applied Linguistics)

A Unified Approach to Explanation in Linguistics

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book Morphology and Mind (RLE Linguistics C: Applied Linguistics) by Christopher J. Hall, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Christopher J. Hall ISBN: 9781317933014
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 10, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Christopher J. Hall
ISBN: 9781317933014
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 10, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The central concern of this book is the explanation of linguistic form. It examines in detail certain cross-linguistic patterns in morphological systems, providing unified explanations of the observation that suffixes predominate over prefixes and the correlation between affix position and syntactic head position. The explanation of the suffixing preference is one which appeals to principles of language processing, tempered by cognitive constraints underlying language change. These factors, coupled with generative morphological analysis, also provide an explanation for the head/affix correlation.

The extended case-study illustrates a unified, integrative approach to explanation in linguistics which stresses two major features: the search for cognitive or other functional principles that could potentially underlie formally specified regularities; and the need for a micro-analysis of the mechanisms of ‘linkage’ between regularity and explanation. The natural methodological consequence of such an approach is a move towards greater cooperation between the various subdisciplines of linguistics, as well as a greatly needed expansion of cross-disciplinary research. The author’s broad training in theoretical morphology, formal and typological universals, and language processing, allows him to cross traditional boundaries and view the complex interactions between theoretical linguistic principles and cognitive mechanisms with considerable clarity of vision.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The central concern of this book is the explanation of linguistic form. It examines in detail certain cross-linguistic patterns in morphological systems, providing unified explanations of the observation that suffixes predominate over prefixes and the correlation between affix position and syntactic head position. The explanation of the suffixing preference is one which appeals to principles of language processing, tempered by cognitive constraints underlying language change. These factors, coupled with generative morphological analysis, also provide an explanation for the head/affix correlation.

The extended case-study illustrates a unified, integrative approach to explanation in linguistics which stresses two major features: the search for cognitive or other functional principles that could potentially underlie formally specified regularities; and the need for a micro-analysis of the mechanisms of ‘linkage’ between regularity and explanation. The natural methodological consequence of such an approach is a move towards greater cooperation between the various subdisciplines of linguistics, as well as a greatly needed expansion of cross-disciplinary research. The author’s broad training in theoretical morphology, formal and typological universals, and language processing, allows him to cross traditional boundaries and view the complex interactions between theoretical linguistic principles and cognitive mechanisms with considerable clarity of vision.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Criminal Behaviour from School to the Workplace by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Souls of Black Folk by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Resort Destinations by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Sustainable Development Policy and Administration by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Tourism in Pacific Islands by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book India: The Ancient Past by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book The Political Economy of the Living Wage: A Study of Four Cities by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book The Comparative Study of Traditional Asian Literatures by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Turkey and the Rescue of European Jews by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Unended Quest by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Play in Healthcare for Adults by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Greek and Roman Dress from A to Z by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Torture As Public Policy by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Religious NGOs at the United Nations by Christopher J. Hall
Cover of the book Nage Birds by Christopher J. Hall
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy